SSI Benefit Application
Monthly cash help for people 65 or older, blind, or disabled who have little income.
Overview
SSI is a monthly cash benefit from Social Security for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and savings. It does not require a work history, and it is free to apply.
Noncitizen rules for SSI are strict and depend on your exact situation, so we help you apply and gather documents, and SSA decides.
Who this is for
- People age 65 or older with low income and savings
- People who are blind or have a disability that stops them from working
- Households below the SSI resource limits ($2,000 single / $3,000 couple)
- Some immigrants qualify. It depends on your exact status and history, and SSA decides
How we can help
- Explain the basic rules and gather your documents
- Help you complete the SSI application and set up appointments
- Translate the SSA letters and requests you receive
- Remind you that SSA is free, and warn about paid "SSI card" scam websites
Documents you may need
What to bring
- Proof of age and identity (birth certificate, passport)
- Immigration status documents (green card, etc.)
- Proof of income and savings (pay stubs, bank statements)
- Proof of your living arrangements (lease, rent receipt)
What we charge
- Social Security applicationApplying to Social Security is free. This is our fee for doing it with you.$100
- Help with an ongoing Social Security case$100
This is our service fee only. Any government fee is separate and is paid to the government, not to us. Prices may change at any time without notice, so we confirm the amount with you before any work begins. If what you need is not listed, please ask.
See all our pricesFrequently asked questions
Is there a fee to apply for SSI?
No. Applying with Social Security is always free. Beware of websites that charge for a "card" or application.
Can immigrants get SSI?
Some qualified noncitizens can, but the rules are strict and depend on your status and history. SSA makes the decision; we help you apply.
What if I have too much income or savings to qualify?
SSA decides that, not us. SSI is meant for people with very little coming in and very little put by, and it counts savings and some property as well as what you earn, so it is stricter than most other programs. Bring your papers and we will go through them with you. If you are over the limit, we will say so plainly rather than send in an application we expect to be refused. Social Security retirement and disability (SSDI) are a different matter: they are paid on the work you have already done rather than on what you have now, so being over the SSI limit does not rule them out.
We assist with paperwork and preparation. We are not attorneys or CPAs and do not provide legal or accounting advice.